Clerk I – Public Services

Jackson George Regional Library System; Ocean Springs (MS); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Jackson George Regional Library System's Ocean Springs Municipal Library is seeking a Clerk I to assist patrons, manage circulation tasks, and support programs at the branch level.

You will help customers locate materials, operate public computers, answer questions, and participate in displays and exhibits while learning library operations and policies. This role emphasizes teamwork, reliability, and excellent service in a dynamic community setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum high school diploma or equivalent.
• One year paid full-time office or public contact work experience.
• Computer/Internet skills required.
• Ability to alphabetize and sequence items numerically.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Physically able to stand and lift up to 25 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Staff the public service desk and assist patrons.
• Answer telephone and in-house information requests.
• Help customers locate materials and information resources.
• Assist with patron registration, circulation, holds, and interlibrary loan.
• Aid users with OPAC and public computers at the branch.
• Maintain collections via weeding, shelf reading, and shelving.
• Stay informed on adult and children’s literature; suggest purchases.
• Serve as Person-in-Charge when required and handle issues per policy.
• Assist with programs, displays, and training materials.
• Attend meetings and training; other duties as assigned.

Skills

Written & oral communication

Computer/internet skills

Alphabetical & numerical sequencing

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Description

Are you passionate about helping people, love books, and enjoy working in a dynamic public-facing role? The Ocean Springs Municipal Library is looking for a friendly, energetic, and service-oriented individual to join our team as a Clerk I.

This is your chance to become an essential part of a vibrant community resource where no two days are ever the same. You'll assist customers of all ages with everything from locating materials and using computers to answering questions and supporting engaging programs and displays. You'll also gain hands-on experience in circulation, collection maintenance, and public service desk operations.

We're looking for someone who:

• Communicates clearly and courteously
• Thrives in a team environment
• Is organized, tech-savvy, and attentive to detail
• Can confidently step into a leadership role as Person-in-Charge when needed

Be part of a welcoming workplace where you can grow professionally, make a meaningful impact, and help your library community thrive.

Duties: In conjunction with other library personnel:

1. Staff the public service desk
2. Answer telephone
3. Answer in-house requests for information from customers of all ages
4. Assist customers in the selection of needed materials and the location of various information resources
5. Perform tasks related to patron registration and automated circulation, intra/interlibrary loan, holds, reference services, and other public services and routines
6. Assist customers using the OPAC and other bibliographic tools required for access to the collections, resources and information services of the Branch Library and the System
7. Assist customers in use of the public computers/software, resources/equipment housed in the library
8. Maintain collections through weeding, shelf reading, and shelving as directed
9. Stay up to date on adult best-sellers and widely read areas of adult fiction and non-fiction literature
10. Develop a cursory knowledge of children's literature
11. Recommend titles for purchase to the Branch Manager
12. Serve as Person-in-Charge (PIC), as required by duty schedule; Handle patron behavioral and other problems, patron complaints and emergencies in accordance with policies set forth in manuals when serving as PIC
13. Assist with the preparation of various programs, displays and exhibits
14. Review and understand all policies, procedures, and training manuals as may be developed, including personnel policies, public services, etc.
15. Provide courteous, friendly and energetic service at all times
16. Attend Branch and System meetings and training programs, including those involving overnight travel, as required
17. Other duties as required

Work is performed in accordance with the Regional Library Board of Trustees approved policies and procedures and other directives as issued by the Branch Manager and Library Director.

External candidates for this position must complete (1) Application for Employment, (2) Pass the Computer/Internet skills, Cash transaction, and Alphabetizing and Numerical sequence exam.

This position is subject to a six-month probationary period with performance evaluations conducted by the Manager periodically during this period. Thereafter, performance evaluations are conducted annually, or as needed, by the Branch Manager and reviewed by the Assistant Director, Branch Services and the Library Director.

The primary work site for this position is the Ocean Springs Municipal Library, 525 Dewey Street, Ocean Springs, MS 39564. Performance of duties may require work at other library sites, contingent on the needs of the Library System. The schedule may vary from time to time in accordance with specific needs and interests of the Library and the Library System as determined by the Branch Manager and/or the Director.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. One year paid full-time office or public contact work experience.
3. Computer/ Internet skills.
4. Ability to place items in correct alphabetical order and numerical sequence.
5. Effective written & oral communication skills.
6. Must be physically capable of standing for long periods, ability to hear, bend, stoop, push, pull, squat, crouch, reach above shoulder level, and lift and move objects up to 25 pounds.
7. Valid driver's license and transportation